The Reinhold Messner Haus is located on Helm mountain and is an example of architectural regeneration: the former upper station of the old cable car has been converted into a cultural and artistic space dedicated to sustainability and environmental awareness. The museum unites past and future through original elements and contemporary architecture, presenting itself as a place for reflection on human responsibility and Reinhold Messner's legacy. The exhibition route spans multiple levels, connected by an elevator and enriched with ramps, and includes rooms dedicated to art, Tibetan culture, historical installations, mountaineering memorabilia, and a multimedia cinema room. Among the main attractions are the large panoramic window framing the Dolomites and the outdoor terrace featuring the statue of Reinhold Messner. The cultural offering is completed by audio guides narrated by Diane and Reinhold Messner and special events such as live conferences.
«The true spirit of adventure begins where safety ends.»
Rating: High
The Reinhold Messner Haus on Helm mountain welcomes every visitor in a perfect balance between emotion and accessibility. The journey begins outdoors along a gravel path with some sloping sections, surrounded by the wonders of the Olperl Nature Park, which features a bare-foot sensory trail and a wildlife area with petting animals, including characteristic Tibetan yaks.
Beyond the outdoor area, the interior opens up into modern, barrier-free spaces. Upon entering through the main entrance with regular flooring, visitors have access to an equipped accessible restroom and an elevator (120x120 cm) to easily connect the levels. On the lower floor, open rooms and a historical study lead to a curved ramp with an 8% incline, guiding the gaze toward the large panoramic window and the outdoor terrace. Moving up to the upper floor, wide transit areas, multimedia rooms, and thematic zones dedicated to Asian culture allow everyone to fully experience the magic of the mountains, art, and history enclosed in this unique place.
Notes: The museum is located at a high altitude of 2,000 meters and is easily accessible via the Helmjet Sexten cable car. The connecting path between the upper cable car station and the Reinhold Messner Haus is entirely on a compacted gravel surface and features a notably steep section near the Helmrestaurant.
Characteristics access path
Covered
Ascending sections
Lateral inclination < 3,5%
Present
Seating possibility & benches
Present
Sign posts
Tactile paths
Notes: The spacious main entrance area, which houses the ticket desk, a comfortable relaxation area with a sofa, and various displayed artworks, features open spaces and smooth concrete flooring. An accessible toilet is also available on this same level. From the entrance area, access to the lower exhibition spaces is through an automated turnstile gate; once passed, it is necessary to use the dedicated elevator to go down to the floor below and begin the visit.
On the same level as the entrance
Door present
Door opens without effort
Width of door in cm
Door opens towards the outside
Automatic door
Door closer
Threshold present
Threshold < 2,5 cm
Manoeuvring space > 140x140 cm
Notes: The lower exhibition floors are easily accessible via a modern elevator.
Width in cm
Opening duration in seconds
Height between 110 and 140 cm
Braille
Relief scripts
Notes: The lower exhibition floor, accessed directly by the elevator, features a large, open-plan main room with a concrete floor and excellent maneuvering space. From this room, a step-free passageway with easily openable curtains leads to a second area, set up as a historical study. Continuing along the route, past another exhibition room, there is a curved ramp with an 8% incline leading to the final section of the museum, characterized by a large panoramic window and the access door to the outdoor terrace, where the statue of Reinhold Messner is located. From this point, wheelchair users must head back along the same path to return to the elevator, as the connection to the upper floor is only possible via a flight of stairs.
On the same level as reception
Minimum path width
Manoeuvring space > 140 x 140 cm
Notes: The ground floor features spacious exhibition areas with continuous smooth concrete flooring and accessible pathways. The space includes exhibition rooms with display cases and artwork, a multimedia cinema/video room with comfortable seating, themed rooms dedicated to Asian and Tibetan culture, and a mezzanine area featuring a consultation space and historical skis on the wall. Large panoramic windows and an open view overlooking the lower floor complete this entirely barrier-free experience.
On the same level as reception
Minimum path width
Manoeuvring space > 140 x 140 cm
Notes: The accessible restroom is located on the ground floor, near the entrance area and ticket desk. It features a hinged door, ample maneuvering space inside, a lower sink with a tilt-action mirror, a toilet with support grab bars on both sides (one fold-away and one fixed wall-mounted bar), and an emergency call system with a red pull cord.
WC suitable for the disabled marked with international symbol
Position of WC suitable for disabled
Door can be opened without effort
Width of door in cm
Door opens towards the outside / sliding door
Door closer
Threshold present
Manoeuvring area outside > 140 x 140 cm
Grab handle
Approachable from side
Free space to approach WC from side in cm
Approachable from the front
Distance from back wall in cm
Height in cm
Warning bell in tangible distance
Accessible
Height in cm
Free space under washbasin in cm
Adjustable in height
Adjustable mirror
Notes: The outdoor area surrounding the Reinhold Messner Haus and the Olperl nature playground features gravel paths and sloping sections. The setting includes wildlife areas with petting animals, including characteristic Tibetan yaks, and a bare-foot sensory trail. Outdoor accessibility requires caution due to the natural terrain and elevation changes typical of high alpine environments.
On the same level as reception
Doors present
Manoeuvring space > 140 x 140 cm
